Evaluation of black carbon (BC) and PM2.5 exposure during school commutes in Bangi, Selangor, and quantification of inhalation dose among school children of different BMI categories

Abdullah Make, Muhammad Zaid (2024) Evaluation of black carbon (BC) and PM2.5 exposure during school commutes in Bangi, Selangor, and quantification of inhalation dose among school children of different BMI categories. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: The rising level of air pollution caused by traffic, known as traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), is a significant worldwide issue, exacerbated by the increasing number of automobiles. Malaysia serves out as one of the countries with the largest number of motor vehicles per person in the ASEAN region. This is especially concerning for school children who commute to school during peak hours. Our study examines the influence of TRAP on school children during their commutes, with a specific emphasis on the emissions of PM2.5 and black carbon (BC). Objective: This study aims to quantify the inhalation dose of PM2.5 and black carbon (BC) across different Body Mass Index (BMI) categories during simulated walks near a primary school. Methodology: The investigation is conducted through simulated walking along a designated route near a primary school in Bangi, providing insights into the potential health implications of exposure to these pollutants in the vicinity of the school environment. The SidePak Personal Aerosol Monitor AM510 and MicroAeth MA200 were set up inside the researcher's backpack to evaluate PM2.5 and BC levels while walking to and from school along a 1.1 km route during morning and afternoon sessions. PM2.5 background levels were assessed by deploying a Purple Air device (Purple Air Inc, USA) mounted at the front gate of the school. The inhalation dose per child was quantified for both the obese and non-obese children’s groups, taking into account their differing inhalation rates as referenced to the previous studies. Results and Discussion: The study found that the highest levels of PM2.5 and BC concentration occurred in the morning when children are commuting to school (PM2.5:104.8 μg m−3 ± 10.01, BC: 8.4 μg m−3 ± 1.37), compared to the evening (PM2.5: 75.3 μg m−3± 9.10, BC: 4.0 μg m−3 ± 1.9). This resulted from people travelling to work and parents dropping off their children at school at the same time. Roadside black carbon and mobile PM2.5 concentrations have a strong and statistically significant positive linear relationship (Spearman ρ = 0.68, p < 0.05), according to the results of our analysis. This indicates that the interaction between the dynamics of these two pollutants is correlated and influenced by similar emission sources, specifically the buildup of traffic along pedestrian routes and in school zones. Our study found that the background measurements obtained during school hours are 68% lower in comparison to the mobile monitoring observations. This is mostly due to the reduced presence of traffic near the background monitoring station. Calculations indicate that the minute ventilation for obese individuals of both genders is higher (male: 9.0 L min-1, female: 8.9 L min -1) compared to non-obese individuals (male: 8.5 L min -1, female: 8.5 L min -1 ± 5.47). These obese children will experience elevated minute ventilation due to the increase in respiratory rate, resulting in an increased respiratory rate in these groups. Our results show that individuals who are obese inhale a higher amount of vi PM2.5 (male: 22.6 μg, female: 22.2 μg) and BC (male: 1.3 μg, female: 1.3 μg) compared to those who are not obese; PM2.5 (male: 21.4 μg, female: 21.3 μg); BC (male: 1.2 μg, female: 1.2 μg). Conclusion: Although the study is conducted on a simulated walking route, it is important to acknowledge the influence of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) which includes PM2.5 and BC on the health effects for school children, particularly those who are at an increased risk of obesity-related health issues. In addition to creating safe walking and cycling routes for the growing urban population, future research should focus on improving intervention strategies. This could involve implementation of barriers to separate traffic from school areas. These measures would promote active travel and reduce exposure to pollutants for school children. Keywords: Black Carbon, Inhaled dose, Obesity, PM2.5, School Children, Walking.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	28 Apr 2025 08:38
Last Modified:	16 Oct 2025 01:12
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2365

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